Topwater Poppers: Everything You Need to Know! (Beginner To Advanced)

Don't overlook this topwater This Spring! Everyone owns a popper, but very few fishermen understand how to use them in different conditions. Today we're taking a deep dive into the world of topwater poppers. We're covering bait styles, actions, retrieves, and colors, to help you be more effective with this often overlooked topwater.

Tim is taking us to school today! He's pouring out information about how bass position and feed in the Spring, and showing how different bait actions and retrieves will help you get more bites. From aggressively working poppers for reaction strikes, to subtly calling wary fish, these baits are an amazing Spring time tool. It's time to take your popper fishing to the next level!

Below you'll find links to all the baits Tim discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors for each bait, as well as some of the rod and reel combos we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CHUGGING TOPWATERS...

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Holo Ghost Shad, Natural Shad, Shadow Boxer

•Storm Chug Bug: https://bit.ly/3JYOZsV

Colors: Bone, Gizzard Shad, Bleeding Pearl

POPPERS...

•Megabass Pop Max: https://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Gill, Mat Shad, Secret Gill

•Damiki D Pop 70: https://bit.ly/2Pjvqo3

Colors: Black Holo, Phantom, Spayu

•Duo Realis Popper 64: https://bit.ly/4a1hoMQ

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Minnow

•Megabass Pop X: https://bit.ly/3i9T3sg

Colors: GG Deadly Black Shad, Gill, Mat Shad

•Shimano World Pop 69F: https://bit.ly/3sSjJpI

Colors: N Smelt, T Smelt, Gill

•Cultiva Gobo Popper: https://bit.ly/3T91jMD

Colors: Black Pearl, Smoke

•Lobina Rico: https://bit.ly/2RGNx4x

Colors: Absolute, Risque

BFS POPPERS...

•Damiki Umpa 40: https://bit.ly/42XSQkD

Colors: Mossy Shad, Ghost Minnow, Real Shad

•Rapala Ultralight Popper: https://bit.ly/3FzvsNP

Colors: Chrome, Clown

•Megabass Baby Pop X: https://bit.ly/3QgjPDY

Colors: Galaxy Smoke, MG Sexy Stream

TIM'S HIGH END POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer Oneten Stick: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model:

Reel– Shimano Metanium 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MID PRICED POPPER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament 7'2" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Reel– Daiwa Tatula 100 Casting Reel: https://bit.ly/3KmzgFJ

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 6'8" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/4epUFz1

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Power Pro Moss Green (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BFS POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B BFS: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Model: 6'8" Light

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Where Bass Go After The Spawn ( And How To Catch Them )

As bass finish spawning in Late Spring, most anglers lose track of them. The fish immediately begin a transition, with some pushing shallow and others moving to open water. This shift marks the beginning of one of the most predictable times of year, and fish catching becomes easy! If this transition has confused you, we're here to help!

How you choose to target these fish depends on your preference between deep and shallow water fishing, as well as your preference surrounding modern electronics. You can target fish around visible cover all the way into Summer, or you can focus on offshore, main lake fish. The baits will vary dramatically based on the group you choose to pursue.

Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt discussed in the video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included some great budget–friendly rod and reel combos to help you fish these baits effectively.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH…

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

SHAD SPAWN BAITS

SPINNERBAIT/CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan Elite Evo 1/2 oz: https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Colors: Electric Shad

•Hog Farmer 4.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Electric Shad

•Megabass SV–3 Spinnerbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Colors: Hasu, Wakasagi

UNDERSPINS...

•Xzone 4.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Underspin Series: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Favorite Size: 1/2 oz, 4/0 Hook

•BKK Titan Diver Hook: https://bit.ly/3kzagCo

Size: 4/0 Hook

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•BKK Armorpoint Offset HD Hook: https://bit.ly/4lcHa6U

Size: 3/0 – 4/0

TOPWATER...

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Holo Ghost Shad, Natural Shad

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Spotlight Shad, Bone Python, Juvy Gill

BLUEGILL SPAWN BAITS

SWIMBAIT...

•Savage Gear LT Bluegill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Color: Bluegill, Dark Bluegill

FROG...

•Berkley Swamp Lord: https://bit.ly/3MAFQum

Color: Maverick, MF Bluegill

FFS FOCUSED BAITS

URCHIN BAITS...

•Hideup Coike Full Cast: https://bit.ly/4h0ZcFI

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Seed

•Yamamoto Uni: https://bit.ly/4q359Hp

Colors: Baby Bass, Natural Shad

MINNOWS...

•Hog Farmer 6" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Electric Shad

•Rapala Crush City 5.25" Freeloader: https://bit.ly/3QWwj4b

Colors: Shad, Gizzard Shad

•MissileBaits 6" Freedom Flyer: https://bit.ly/4qnPvGn

Colors: Electric Shad, Silver Shiner

•Dirty Jigs Tackle Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 3/8 oz, 5/0 Hook

OFFSHORE BAITS

CRANKBAITS...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Summer Minnow, Metallic Shad

•Rapala DT 16: https://bit.ly/42ITxNr

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Helsinki Shad

SHAKY WORM...

•Xzone Deception Worm: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin Blue

WOBBLE HEAD...

•XZone Adrenaline Craw 4.25: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Junebug, TW Dark Junebug, Tilapia

•Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football Head: http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Common Sizes: 1/2 oz 4/0 Hook, 3/4 oz 5/0 Hook

BUDGET TOPWATER CASTING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'1" Medium: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

WOBBLE HEAD COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Reel– Seviin GF (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line- Seaguar AbrazX Fluorocarbon (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2aaBBDX

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT/SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Seaguar Red Label (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'4" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/41ntbDB

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Sunline FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

BUDGET FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 7'2" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Power Pro Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Early May Bass Fishing! Bait Tricks To Catch Fish During The Post Spawn Transition!

Jump in the boat with Tim for a fun day on the water! Bass are transitioning between the spawn and the begins of early Summer patterns. Tim quickly dials in a Karashi bite, follows that up with a topwater pattern, then backs it up with a swimbait bite skipping the Magdraft around trees. It's a great time to be on the water, but you'd better be ready to adapt!

This time of year can be amazing. With multiple patterns available, you can choose the style of fishing you want to do. Tim focused on post-spawn fish that were positioning to feed on offshore structures and shallow cover. He used a combination of swimbaits and topwater to catch fish throughout the day.

Below the video you'll find links to all the baits and gear he used throughout the day. From the specific bait colors, to the details of his rod and reel combos, we've included everything to help you understand how he was catching fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/3JHJd08

Color: Spotlight Shad

KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Color: See Through Shad

SPARK SHAD SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Color: Real

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

MAGDRAFT SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass 6" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad, Nude Rainbow

KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion 6'6" Light: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Expada

Reel– Daiwa PX BF 70: https://bit.ly/3y0fWw0

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 7' Medium Regular: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Z–Crank Elsiel

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MAGDRAFT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 7'4" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Line– Sunline Super FC Fluorocarbon (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Top 5 Baits For May Bass fishing!

Bass fishing in May is amazing, here's what you need to know! The bass are in transition and we're showing you exactly how to catch them. Most lakes have bass in every phase of the spawn by now. There are still lingering spawners but there are also a lot of post spawn fish. Some fish go deep while others stay around shallow cover. No matter how you like to fish, we've got baits to help you do it better!

There are a lot of great baits for targeting fish during the post spawn to early Summer transition, but we have some very clear favorites. Whether you're going deep, shallow, or you're fishing from the shore, you can trust these baits to catch fish throughout the month.

Below you'll find links to the baits discussed in the video. We've listed them in the order they appeared and included our favorite sizes and colors for each. We've also included a couple budget combos to help you consistently land the fish that bite. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

TOPWATER...

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Holo Ghost Shad, Natural Shad

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Spotlight Shad, Bone Python, Juvy Gill

•Berkley Swamp Lord: https://bit.ly/3MAFQum

Color: Maverick, MF Bluegill

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: Setsuki Chiayu, Kasumi Ito, Ito Wakasagi

CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan Elite Evo 1/2 oz: https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Colors: Electric Shad, The Deal

•Hog Farmer 4.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Electric Shad

•Zman 4.5" ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Colors: The Deal

UNDERSPINS...

•Dirty Jigs Mini Tactical Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Favorite Size: 3/16 oz

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Underspin Series: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Favorite Size: 3/8 oz, 3/0 Hook

•Xzone Swammer Swimbait: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

Size: 3.5" – 4.75"

SPINNERBAIT...

•Megabass SV–3 Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Hasu, Wakasagi

•War Eagle Screamin Eagle: https://bit.ly/2IEHHjA

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Spot Remover, Mouse

DEEP CRANKBAITS...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Summer Minnow, Metallic Shad

•Rapala DT 16: https://bit.ly/42ITxNr

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Helsinki Shad

•Berkley Dredger 25.5: https://bit.ly/4bwwHjI

Colors: Irish Gold, Stunna Shad

SWIMBAITS...

•Bucca 5" Bacca Burrito: https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Colors: Tactical Gizzard Shad, Tactical Chartreuse Shad

•Megabass 6" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2CANTU7

Colors: White Back Shad, Borealis Shad

•Berkley 6" Chop Block: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Colors: Shad, CA Hitch, Chrome Gizzard

BANK FISHING BAITS...

•Duo Realis Popper 64: https://bit.ly/4a1hoMQ

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Minnow

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Color: SunGill

•Yamamoto 5" Fuzzy Senko: https://bit.ly/3Wgm6B7

Color: Green pumpkin Orange, Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

•Xzone Deception Worm: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin Blue

•MissileBaits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Colors: Junebug Dream, Blue Back Secret

•MissileBaits Warlock Head: https://bit.ly/4bg8DyC

Size: 3/16 oz

•Xzone 5" Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

ALL AROUND BUDGET CASTING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Models: 7'1" Medium

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Sufix 832 (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

ALL AROUND BUDGET SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT: https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

Models: 7' Medium Fast

Reel– Daiwa Legalis LT: https://bit.ly/3Y0kDh3

Size: 2500 D-XH

Line– Sunline Super FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT/SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Seaguar Red Label (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'4" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/41ntbDB

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Sunline FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz